Mercury Car Insurance in Chicago
Experience the Windy City with peace of mind, knowing that Mercury Insurance has got your back. Tailored specifically for Chicago drivers, our Chicago auto insurance helps ensure that you’re fully protected, whether navigating the snowy suburban streets of Naperville or managing the heavy traffic of the Dan Ryan Expressway.
With Mercury, you’re choosing more than just an insurance provider. You’re opting for a partner that understands the unique challenges of driving in Chicago. From our cheap car insurance rates to our exceptional customer service, the benefits we offer help protect your journey through the Chi-Town and beyond.
![Sad woman talking on cell phone near wrecked car](https://cdn.bfldr.com/SIT4MQAT/at/6xr8njp87bjjfkzs7xrxrc6/GettyImages-1354217126.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=1200&trim=1200,100,1800,100)
Is Auto Insurance Mandatory in Chicago?
In Illinois, auto insurance is not just a recommendation—it's a legal requirement. The state mandates that all drivers must have minimum liability insurance coverage to legally operate a vehicle. This ensures that all drivers are financially responsible in the event of an accident.
Legal Requirements to Drive in Chicago
According to the Illinois Department of Insurance, the required minimum coverages are as follows:
- Bodily injury liability: This coverage is required at a minimum limit of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. It covers injuries that you’ve caused to someone else.
- Property damage liability: With a minimum required limit of $20,000 per accident, this coverage pays for damage you might cause to another person’s property.
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury: This is required with the same minimum limits as bodily injury liability. It pays for your injuries caused by an uninsured driver.
- Underinsured motorist bodily injury (UIM): This coverage is required for situations where the at-fault driver does have insurance, but their limits are insufficient to cover your total medical expenses. It pays the difference between your UIM coverage’s limits and the at-fault driver’s liability limits.
Optional Coverages
In addition to the state’s requirements, you can also add these coverages to your Chicago auto policy:
- Collision coverage: This pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object. If you finance or lease your car, your lender may require you to get this coverage.
- Comprehensive coverage: This coverage offers protection against theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and other non-collision damages. Just like collision coverage, your vehicle lender may require you to get this coverage.
- Medical payments: This coverage helps pay for medical expenses resulting from an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): PIP often covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident.
What Does Chicago Auto Insurance Not Cover?
Understanding these exclusions can help you make informed decisions about additional coverage options or taking extra precautions. Here are some common exclusions found in auto insurance policies:
- Intentional damage: If you intentionally cause damage to your vehicle or if someone acting on your behalf does so, your insurance will not cover it.
- Normal wear and tear: Your auto insurance policy doesn’t cover the gradual deterioration of your vehicle over time, such as rust or worn tires.
- Personal belongings: If someone steals or damages items inside your vehicle, like laptops, smartphones, and other personal items, your auto policy likely won’t cover these losses. Typically, homeowners or renters insurance policies cover these items.
- Business use: When you use your vehicle for business purposes, like making deliveries or transporting goods for a fee, your standard personal auto insurance policy doesn’t provide coverage. You’ll usually need a business auto insurance policy.
- Racing and dangerous activities: If you participate in racing, speed contests, or dangerous driving activities, you’re voiding your coverage. Your insurance won’t cover accidents that happen during these activities.
Get Cheap Auto Insurance in Chicago from Mercury
Finding affordable auto insurance in Chicago that doesn’t compromise coverage is easier than you think. Mercury offers various options to keep you protected on the Windy City’s roads without breaking the bank. Discover how to save more with our available discounts and the benefits of bundling your policies with Mercury.
Save More with Discounts
Mercury understands that every dollar counts, so we offer various discounts to help lower your auto insurance premiums. Whether you’re a safe driver, a good student, or you own a car with anti-theft features, there’s likely a discount for you. Our goal is to provide you with the most competitive rates in Chicago, all while ensuring you’re adequately covered. Ask about our available discounts when you get a quote, and start saving more on your auto insurance today.
Bundling with Mercury
One of the smartest ways to save on insurance is to bundle your auto policy with other types of coverage. Mercury offers options for Chicago homeowners and renters insurance, allowing you to protect your vehicle, home, and personal possessions under one trusted provider.
- Chicago homeowners insurance: Protect your home from the unexpected with our comprehensive homeowners insurance policy. Covering everything from fire and theft to weather-related damages, our homeowners insurance gives you peace of mind knowing your biggest investment is protected.
- Chicago renters insurance: If you rent in the Windy City, safeguard your personal belongings within your rental property against theft, damage, and more with our renters insurance. Plus, with liability coverage included, you’re protected if someone is injured in your rental space.
![](/assets/images/insurance/auto/middle-age-man-sunglasses-driving-car-sq.jpg)
Common Chicago Car Insurance Questions
Is car insurance high in Chicago?
According to Bankrate, the average annual cost of full coverage car insurance in Illinois is $2,310 per year or $213 per month. The annual rate is below the national average of $2,545, but the monthly rate is slightly higher than the national average of $212.
Can I borrow a friend’s car in Chicago without insurance?
In Chicago, auto insurance typically follows the car rather than the driver. This means if you borrow a friend’s car, their auto insurance coverage would generally apply in the event of an accident, assuming you had permission to use the vehicle.
How to find the cheapest car insurance in Chicago?
To secure cheap auto insurance in Chicago, follow these steps and consider Mercury Insurance for competitive rates:
- Leverage discounts: Ask about available discounts for multiple policies, safe driving, and more.
- Adjust coverage: Tailor your coverage and deductibles to match your needs and reduce costs.
- Maintain good credit: A good credit score can lower your insurance premiums.
- Drive safely: Safe driving can lead to lower rates.
Start saving with Mercury Insurance. We offer affordable, customizable auto insurance that meets the needs of Chicago drivers like you. Get your competitive quote today and see how much you could save.
How do I find a Mercury Agent in Chicago?
Visit the Illinois Insurance Agents page, scroll down to Chicago, and find an agent that best suits your needs.
What products does Mercury offer in Chicago?
Here are the products Mercury offers to Chicagoans: